System and method for providing event spectators with audio/video signals pertaining to remote events

ABSTRACT

A system and method for providing content for access by a portable device at an event are provided. The system includes an interface to receive signals from a plurality of sources. The plurality of sources are located at an event and remote from the event. The signals define event content and non-event content. The system further includes a processor for processing the received signals to generate combined signals based upon the received signals from the plurality of sources. The system also includes a transmitter for transmitting to a plurality of portable devices at the event the combined signals. The combined signals are configured to allow a user to select content using the portable device receiving the combined signals.

This application is a Broadening Reissue of application Ser. No.13/076,013, which was patented on May 13, 2014 as U.S. Pat. No.8,725,064 B2.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation and claims priority to copendingNon-Provisional U.S. patent application assigned Ser. No. 12/557,725filed Sep. 11, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,929,903, which is acontinuation and claims priority to copending Non-Provisional U.S.patent application assigned Ser. No. 11/070,353 filed Mar. 2, 2005, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,593,687, which is a continuation-in-part and claimspriority to copending Non-Provisional U.S. patent application assignedSer. No. 10/680,612 and filed on Oct. 7, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No.7,725,073 all entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING EVENT SPECTATORSWITH AUDIO/VIDEO SIGNALS PERTAINING TO REMOTE EVENTS” and all of whichare hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to video and audio signal processingtechniques and, more particularly, to methods and systems for receivingvideo and audio signals from a plurality of sources and for providing auser with combinations of these signals from which to select.

Spectators attending a stadium for viewing an event, such as a sportingevent, for example, are often interested in events simultaneouslyoccurring at other locations, such as, other stadiums. As an example, aspectator attending a football game at a stadium may be interested inother football games at other stadiums, particularly at other stadiumswithin the same general region, for example, hearing commentary orviewing images of other games.

Radio stations may broadcast AM and/or FM audio signals of stadiumevents. Such audio signals normally define the comments of one or morecommentators who watch a stadium event and comment on the event as it isoccurring such that listeners of the audio broadcast may receivereal-time information pertaining to the stadium event. For sportingevents, the commentary provided by such commentators is often referredto as a “play-by-play” commentary.

Moreover, a spectator at one stadium may utilize a radio to receive atleast one audio event signal from a radio station, which may be anyaudio signal that provides information (e.g., real-time and/orprerecorded information) pertaining to the event. The radio broadcastallows a spectator to hear information pertaining to an event occurringat another stadium. Unfortunately, an audio event signal pertaining to astadium event of interest to a spectator is not always broadcast by aradio station using AM or FM signals, thereby preventing spectatorsoutside the stadium from receiving the broadcast. Further, in situationswhere an audio event signal of interest to a spectator is broadcast insuch a manner that it may be received, the spectator may be attending astadium event out of range of the audio event signal of interest. Thus,a spectator at one stadium is not always able to receive an audio eventsignal providing detailed audio information about an event occurring atanother stadium. A spectator likewise may be unable to receive a videoevent signal providing detailed video information about an eventoccurring at another stadium.

Further, spectators may be interested in viewing or accessing othercontent while at an event. For example, a spectator may want to checkthe news during half-time of a game. However, known systems do not allowspectators to selectively access different content from differentsources while at an event.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one exemplary embodiment, a system for providing content for accessby a portable device at an event includes an interface to receivesignals from a plurality of sources. The plurality of sources arelocated at an event and remote from the event. The signals define eventcontent and non-event content. The system further includes a processorfor processing the received signals to generate combined signals basedupon the received signals from the plurality of sources. The system alsoincludes a transmitter for transmitting to a plurality of portabledevices at the event the combined signals. The combined signals areconfigured to allow a user to select content using the portable devicereceiving the combined signals.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method for providing content foraccess by a portable device at an event includes receiving at an event aplurality of signals from a plurality of sources. The plurality ofsignals define event content and non-event content. The method furtherincludes determining received signals to combine to define at least onecombined signal. The method also includes broadcasting the at least onecombined signal at the event, with the at least one combined signalconfigured to be received by at least one portable device.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, a method for providing content foraccess by a user at an event includes receiving via a portable deviceevent content and non-event content defined by at least one signalcombined from a plurality of signals from a plurality of sources. Themethod further includes outputting at least one of video and audiocontent based upon at the at least one signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system in accordance withone exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a central facility system in accordancewith one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a broadcast system in accordance with oneexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of exemplary processes utilized by variousembodiments of a communication system of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a local broadcast system in accordance withone exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for accessing andbroadcasting content from a plurality of sources at an event inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of one exemplary embodiment of a video/audioreceiving system constructed according to the principles of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of one exemplary embodiment of an imagedisplay system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of another exemplary embodiment of avideo/audio receiving system constructed according to the principles ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of methods and systems providing spectators at anevent with a plurality of audio and video event signals pertaining toother remote events and other content, and from which a spectator mayselect one or more of the audio and video event signals are describedbelow in detail. A technical effect of the methods and systems describedherein include at least one of generating a plurality of different audioand/or video signals at one or more remote locations (e.g., generatingmultiple audio signal events at different stadiums, with the audiosignal events defining information, such as play-by-play commentarypertaining to events at the different stadiums), transmitting theplurality of audio and/or video signals to a central facility, whereinthe audio and/or video signals are selectively transmitted to broadcastsystems that each service one or more events (e.g., one or morestadiums), and allowing spectators to select from the audio and/or videosignals transmitted via the broadcast systems.

It should be noted that when reference is made herein to audio and/orvideo event signals, this refers to any audio or video signal generatedand/or transmitted to and/or from an event, such as, for example, audioand video signals that provide information, including, but not limitedto, real-time and/or prerecorded information, pertaining to an event orother content from different sources. It should also be noted that whenreference is made herein to non-event or non-event related audio and/orvideo signals, this refers to any live, delayed, or archived andrecorded audio and/or video signals such as for example, live audioand/or video signals being generated from another event, rebroadcastaudio and/or video signals from an another event, any other live orrecorded audio/video content, such as, for example, content relating tosporting events, entertainment events (e.g. movies, cartoons,advertisements, statistics and data) and or other third party content(e.g., news).

In the exemplary embodiments, the methods generally provide spectatorsat an event with a selection of audio and/or video event signalspertaining to other remote events that may be of interest to thespectators. In particular, a plurality of different audio and/or videoevent signals are generated at various locations (e.g., remotelocations). For example, multiple audio event signals may be generatedat different stadiums, and each audio event signal may defineinformation, such as a play-by-play commentary pertaining to the eventoccurring at the stadium from which the audio event signal is generatedor from another stadium.

Each of the audio and/or video event signals may be transmitted to acentral facility, and various communication techniques may be employedto communicate the audio and/or video event signals to the centralfacility. In an exemplary embodiment, audio and/or video event signalsare communicated to a central facility via a communication network(e.g., an existing or specifically designed network), such as thepublicly switched telephone network (PSTN). In order to increaseperformance, the audio and/or video event signals may be transmittedover a high speed communication link, such as, for example, a T1communication line. It should be noted that the communication linksutilized to transmit the audio and/or video event signals to the centralfacility are not limited to specific types of links or physical landlines, but may include, for example, terrestrial links and/or satellitelinks.

At the central facility, the audio and/or video event signals may beselectively coalesced and transmitted to a plurality of broadcastsystems that each service one or more events and/or stadiums. Forexample, a determination may be made that spectators at a particularstadium are likely to be interested in particular ones of the audioevent signals. In an exemplary embodiment, such audio event signals arethen transmitted to the broadcast system servicing the particularstadium. The broadcast system then may broadcast the audio event signalto the spectators being serviced by the broadcast system. For example, adetermination may be made that spectators at a first stadium for viewinga Southeastern Conference (SEC) football game are interested in otherSEC football games occurring at other stadiums. In such a case, audioevent signals defining the play-by-play commentary of the other SECfootball games may be transmitted, by the central facility, to thebroadcast system servicing the first stadium. The broadcast system maythen broadcast these audio event signals to the spectators at the firststadium.

For other stadiums, different sets of audio event signals may beprovided. For example, for a stadium where a BIG 10 football game isoccurring, the central facility may transmit to the broadcast systemservicing that stadium, audio event signals pertaining to other BIG 10football games. These audio event signals may then be broadcast to thespectators of the stadium via the broadcast system. Further, and asanother example, for a stadium where a Major League Baseball (MLB) gameis occurring, audio event signals pertaining to other MLB baseball gamesmay be transmitted to the broadcast system servicing the stadium.Various combinations of audio event signals thereby may be provided tospectators at various stadiums and are not limited to the combinationsdescribed herein. It should be noted that video event signals likewisemay be communicated as described herein.

Transmission of a set of audio and/or video event signals to aparticular broadcast system may occur via various transmissionmethodologies. In an exemplary embodiment, the audio and/or video eventsignals are communicated to the broadcast systems via a communicationnetwork (e.g., an existing or specifically designed network), such as,for example, the PSTN. To provide increased performance, the audioand/or video event signals may be transmitted over high speedcommunication links such as, for example, a T1 communication line. Itshould be noted that the communication links utilized to transmit theaudio and/or video event signals to the broadcast systems are notlimited to specific types of links or physical land lines, but mayinclude, for example, terrestrial links and/or satellite links.Furthermore, audio and/or video event signals may be generated as or maybe converted into digital signals in order to enable better and/orfaster transmission to and/or from a broadcast system.

In an exemplary embodiment, when a broadcast system receives audioand/or video event signals from the central facility, the broadcastsystem may communicate such signals to spectators at the stadiumserviced by the broadcast system. The communication of such signals maybe wireless and/or non-wireless. For example, the broadcast system maymodulate each of the audio and/or video event signals on a carriersignal of a different frequency and wirelessly transmit the modulatedsignals to the stadium spectators. The stadium spectators may beprovided with portable receiver units that demodulate and filter theaudio and/or video event signals transmitted by the broadcast system.Specifically, using a receiver unit, a spectator may select one or moreof the audio and/or video event signals received by the receiver unit,and the receiver unit may filter out all of the other audio and/or videoevent signals, thereby recovering the selected audio and/or video eventsignal or signals. The recovered audio and/or video event signal orsignals may then be converted into sound via one or more speakers of thereceiver unit or images via a display of the receiver unit.

It should be noted that a broadcast system and, in particular, anantenna of the broadcast system may be located at or close to thestadium serviced by it. In such an embodiment, the audio and/or videoevent signals transmitted by the broadcast system can be transmittedover a short distance (e.g., less than approximately one-half of amile), thereby limiting various restrictions imposed by regulationagencies, such as the Federal Communication Commission (FCC). Variousfrequency ranges may be employed, for example, each broadcast system inan exemplary embodiment may transmit audio and/or video event signalswithin the ultra-high frequency (UHF) range, microwave range (e.g., twoto ten gigahertz range), etc.

FIGS. 1 through 3 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a communicationsystem 10 that will be described in more detail below. For illustrativepurposes, the communication system 10 will be described as enablingspectators attending NCAA football games at stadiums to select and heara play-by-play commentary and/or see video images of various footballgames. However, it should be noted that, in other embodiments, thecommunication system 10 may enable spectators to listen to and viewother types of information pertaining to other types of events (e.g.,football, auto racing, golf, horse racing, etc.) located at differentvenues (e.g., race track, open road race course, golf course, etc.) orother types of information (e.g., advertisements).

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system 10 of an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. The communication system includes acentral facility 12 for receiving audio and/or video signals (e.g.,audio and/or video feeds and audio and/or video event signals) from aplurality of sources (e.g., local event and remote sources). The centralfacility 12 combines various audio and/or video signals as describedherein for transmission to one or more broadcast systems 32. Thebroadcast systems 32 will be described in more detail with reference toFIGS. 5 and 6. In an exemplary embodiment, a separate broadcast systemis provided in connection with or corresponding to each of a pluralityof events or, for example, a plurality of stadiums. The broadcastsystems 32 transmit a plurality of audio and/or video signals toreceiver units 65, which allow users attending events, for example, atvarious stadiums to select audio and or video signals from one or moresources. The audio and video signals define content for audio output ordisplay with the receiver units 65. The sources may be located at theevent at which the spectator is attending and providing audio and videosignals pertaining to that event, or may be located remote from theevent attended by the spectator, and provide audio and video signalspertaining to the remote event. Further, the sources may provide audioand video signals pertaining to other content, such as, for example,advertising.

As shown in FIG. 2, audio and/or video signals, for example,play-by-play feeds defining play-by-play commentaries of variousfootball games are transmitted to the central facility 12. Theseplay-by-play feeds may be transmitted via satellite, T1, and/or othertypes of communication links. Further, the play-by-play feeds may betransmitted as digital or analog signals. In an exemplary embodiment,the play-by-play feeds are generated as digital signals or convertedinto digital signals before being transmitted to the central facility12.

The central facility 12, in an exemplary embodiment, includes a feedmixer 15 and a data router 18. The feed mixer 15 combines the audioand/or video feeds and transmits the audio and/or video feeds to thedata router 18. The feed mixer 15 combines the play-by-play feeds suchthat, for example, play-by-play feeds that are likely to be of interestto a group of spectators or users are combined together. For example,the play-by-play feeds may be mixed such that play-by-play feedsassociated with games or teams within or from the same region arecombined (e.g., multiplexed) together.

For example, stadiums 13 participating in (e.g., serviced by) thecommunication system 10 may be categorized based on their regionallocation. As shown in FIG. 2, the stadiums 13 may be categorized into aplurality of regions 14, such as first through fifth regions (e.g., aSoutheast Region, a Southern Region, a Midwest Region, a Central Region,and a Western Region). Each play-by-play feed from the same region maybe combined by the feed mixer 15. Therefore, the feed mixer 15 mayoutput combined signals in which each combined signal comprisesplay-by-play feeds from the same region. For example, one of thecombined signals may comprise play-by-play feeds from each stadiumwithin the Southern Region that is hosting a football game. Such acombined signal may comprise play-by-play feeds from Neyland Stadium,Bryant-Denny Stadium, Griffin Stadium, and Memorial Stadium (Clemson).

The mixing of play-by-play feeds as described herein may be controlledby mixing logic 25. In one exemplary embodiment, the mixing logic 25(e.g., user interface such as a computer) receives inputs from a userand mixes the play-by-play feeds based on these inputs, thereby allowinga user to control which feeds are mixed together. In another exemplaryembodiment, user preferences (e.g., viewing preferences) orpredetermined criteria (e.g., closest games) are used control whichfeeds are mixed together. Further, another content insertion controllogic 27 may be configured to insert, for example, advertisements and/orcommercials into the feeds mixed by the feed mixer 15. It should benoted that the mixing logic 25 and the other content insertion controllogic 27 may each be implemented in hardware, software, or anycombination thereof.

The data router 18 may be configured to transmit each of the combinedsignals to, for example, corresponding events or ones of the stadiums.For example, a combined signal including feeds likely to be of interestto spectators at Neyland Stadium may be transmitted to Neyland stadium.Because spectators attending a sporting event at a stadium are likely tobe interested in similar sporting events occurring within the sameapproximate region, a combined signal having one or more play-by-playfeeds from a particular region may be transmitted to the stadiums withinthe same region. For example, a combined signal including play-by-playfeeds from football games within the Southern Region may be transmittedto one or more stadiums within this same region. As a result, theplay-by-play feeds defining the combined signal received by a particularstadium are likely to be of interest to the spectators at the particularstadium. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the combinedsignals are communicated to the stadiums over a telecommunicationnetwork using high speed communication links, such as T1 connections.However, other types of communication techniques may be employed inother embodiments. Further, it should be noted that various othermethodologies for determining which stadiums are to receive which feedsmay be employed in other exemplary embodiments as desired or needed andas described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 3, and for example, for each event or stadium, anexemplary embodiment of a broadcast system 32 receives the combinedsignal transmitted to it by the central facility 12 (shown in FIG. 2). Ademultiplexer 35, controlled by control logic 37, demultiplexer thecombined signal to thereby recover, for example, each play-by-play feedwithin the combined signal. A digital-to-analog (D/A) converter 41converts each recovered play-by-play feed into analog form and provideseach of the analog feeds to a modulator 45. Each modulator 45 modulatesits received play-by-play feed onto a carrier signal of a differentfrequency, and a signal combiner 48 combines the modulated signals,which are then amplified by a power amplifier 51, before beingwirelessly transmitted by an antenna 52. It should be noted that if thecombined signal received by the broadcast system 32 of a particularstadium or associated with a particular event does not include, forexample, a feed pertaining to the event occurring at the same stadium, alocal play-by-play feed 49 generated at the stadium may be included inthe feeds modulated by the modulators 45.

In one exemplary embodiment, one or more spectators, for example, at thestadium, is provided with a receiver unit 65 capable of receiving anddemodulating the signals transmitted by the broadcast system 32. Theselected audio and/or video signals, such as play-by-play feeds are thenoutput by the receiver unit 65 (e.g., output as audio from a speaker orvideo from a display), thereby reproducing, for example, theplay-by-play commentary or video images defined by the selected feed(s).For example, assume that a spectator at Neyland Stadium, while watchinga Tennessee game occurring at Neyland Stadium, is interested in thefootball game occurring at Griffin Stadium. In such an example, thespectator may tune his receiver unit 65 (e.g., select a channel) suchthat the receiver unit 65 filters out all play-by-play feeds except thefeed originally generated at Griffin stadium. As a result, the receiverunit 65 outputs the play-by-play commentary of the football gameoccurring at Griffin Stadium. Moreover, the spectator may listen to thiscommentary while watching the Tennessee football game or another game onthe receiver unit 65.

In an exemplary embodiment, the receiver unit 65 is portable and allowsthe user to provide inputs for selecting at least one or more of theaudio and/or video signals, such as, for example, play-by-play feedsand/or video signals of interest to the user. In another exemplaryembodiment as shown in FIG. 3, a receiver unit 65 includes a receiverand converter component 70 that receives and converts each audio and/orvideo signal received from broadcast system 32 via antenna 52 andantenna 72. The receiver unit 65 also includes a tuner 74 for tuning theaudio and/or video feed provided on different frequencies such thatfeeds on different frequencies can be output from the receiver unit 65.

Additional components for processing the different types of feeds (e.g.,audio and video signals) may be provided, such as, for example, an FMreceiver component 76 for receiving and processing frequency-modulatedsignals. The receiver unit 65 also may include user controls forcontrolling operation of the receiver unit 65 including a selector (notshown) for selecting between different feeds and sources, a display (notshown) for displaying event images from received video signals, a poweron/off component 78 (e.g., switch) for powering on and off the receiverunit 65, and a volume up/down component 80 for controlling the volumeoutput of the receiver unit 65. The receiver unit 65 also includes apower supply 82 (e.g., removable battery, rechargeable battery, etc.)for powering the receiver unit 65. It should be noted that although thereceiver unit 65 has been described with particular component parts, itis not so limited, and additional or different component parts may beprovided as desired or required (e.g., storage component for storingaudio and/or video feeds).

It also should be noted that it is not necessary for the broadcastsystem 32 used to transmit signals, for example, to spectators at aparticular stadium, to be located at or close to the particular stadium.However, locating the broadcast system 32 at or close to the stadium maybe desired or needed (e.g., results in less strenuous FCC restrictions).Additionally, it is not necessary for the central facility 12 toselectively determine which of the audio and/or video signals (e.g.,play-by-play feeds) are to be provided, for example, to the differentstadiums. For example, the central facility 12 may be configured toprovide each audio and/or vide signal to each of the stadiums regardlessof each stadium's regional location. Further, it should be noted thatvideo event signals in addition to or instead of audio event signals maybe processed by the communication system 10 described above. Forexample, in addition to or instead of generating and providing aplay-by-play audio signal of an event, a camera may generate aplay-by-play video signal of the event. This video signal then may betransmitted to the central facility 12, which mixes the video signalwith, for example, other audio and/or video signals from other events.After being transmitted to a broadcast system 32, the broadcast system32 may modulate and transmit the video signal to, for example,spectators at the stadium, similar to the manner in which the audiosignals are modulated and transmitted to spectators at a stadium, asdescribed above. The receiver unit 65 may include a video display fordisplaying the video signal when such signal is selected by thespectator's input. An exemplary system for distributing the audio and/orvideo signals is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,578,203, the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Forexample, the system described therein may be employed to provide tospectators at a stadium the audio and/or video signals received from thecentral facility 12.

Moreover, the spectator may view a play-by-play video signal from anevent at a remote stadium and may simultaneously listen to aplay-by-play audio signal from the same event. Alternatively, thespectator may view a play-by-play video signal from an event at a remotestadium and may simultaneously listen to a play-by-play audio signalfrom another event at another remote stadium or from the stadium atwhich the spectator is present. Furthermore, it is not necessary for allof the signals processed by the communication system 10 to pertain to anevent occurring at a stadium. For example, a spectator may view aplay-by-play video signal pertaining to an event at a remote stadiumwhile listening to an audio signal defining music unrelated to any ofthe events at any of the stadiums or a video signal defining programmingunrelated to any of the events at any of the stadiums (e.g.,advertisement or commercial).

FIG. 4 is a flowchart 100 illustrating exemplary processes utilized bythe communication system 10. The technical effect of the communicationsystem 10 is achieved by first receiving a plurality of audio and videosignals from one or more sources (e.g., audio and video signals from aplurality of stadiums) at 102. A determination is then made at 104 as towhich audio and video signals to combine. This may include, for example,categorizing the audio and video signals based upon the geographiclocation of the source of the signals (e.g., signals from stadiumswithin a particular geographic region or relating to teams in thatregion) and/or combining the signals based upon predetermined criteria(e.g., combine signals based upon user preferences). It should be notedthat the audio and video signals may be combined based upon othercriteria, determinations or factors, such as, for example, time of day(e.g., events occurring at the same time), the type of event (e.g., allsports events, all football games, all baseball games, etc.) and/orvariety (e.g., combine signals to provide diverse programming). Adetermination is also made at 106 as to other content to be included aspart of the signals to be combined (e.g., advertisements orcommercials).

A determination is then made at 108 as to which broadcast systems 32(shown in FIG. 1) the signals to be combined are to be transmitted. Thisalso may include a determination of the type of communication link touse to transmit the combined signals. Based upon the determinations at104, 106, 108 and any other user inputs (e.g., used specified content),combined signals are transmitted to the determined broadcast systems 32at 110.

The combined signals are received by the broadcast systems 32 andprocessed (e.g., demultiplexed and modulated in analog form) at 112, fortransmission (e.g., local transmission) to a one or more receiver units65 (shown in FIG. 3), for example, within and in close proximity to astadium. This processing may also include modulating the signals ontodifferent frequencies. The processed signals are then broadcast at 114to the receiver units 65 within the broadcasting range of the broadcastsystems 32. For example, the signals may be broadcast to receiver units65 within a stadium or within one hundred feet of the stadium. A userhaving a receiver unit 65 may then select the specific signals, forexample, defining different feeds to output from the receiver unit 65.

In operation, a user with a receiver unit 65 at an event (e.g., footballgame) may select from different audio and video feeds that are broadcastat the event. For example, a user may select audio and/or video signalsdefining content from another event (e.g., another football game), videofeeds of different angles or portions of the event being attended and/orother content such advertising and/or commercials. The audio and/orvideo content may be accessed real-time or stored for later hearingand/or viewing (e.g., to review a football play or listen to specificcommentary). The selectable audio and video signals may be provided, forexample, on predetermined channels selectable by a user. Further, thesources of these audio and video signals may be located at the event,remote from the event, or accessed from stored or archived audio andvideo signals. Additionally, the communication system 10 may beconfigured such that the receiver unit 65 may receive audio and videosignals at locations other than at an event (e.g., at a stadium event),such as, for example, at a home in connection with satellite televisionbroadcasting. Further, conditional access may be provided such that, forexample, only authorized receiver units 65 (e.g., receiver units 65having authorized serial numbers) can receive the audio and videosignals (e.g., encrypted audio and video signals).

It should be noted that various embodiments of the present inventionalso allow users with, for example, portable devices, and moreparticularly, wireless portable devices to receive video and audiocontent from a plurality of sources and to select at the portablewireless device the content that the user desires or needs to access.For example, a user may select from programming from different sourcesprovided on a plurality of selectable channels. Using the variousembodiments of the present invention, a transmission or broadcast systemmay provide a plurality of combined audio/video signals at an event foraccess by a user with a wireless portable device.

Thus, spectators at an event may be provided with a selection of audioand/or video event signals pertaining to other remote events and othernon-event related content that may be of interest to the spectators. Inparticular, a plurality of different audio and/or video event signalsare received from various locations and sources (e.g., remote locations,cable TV channels, Satellite TV channels, Satellite or Digital radio,VCR or DVD players). These different signals may be provided, forexample, by the communication system 10 via one or more broadcastsystems 32. For example, multiple audio event signals may be receivedfrom different events being provided via a Satellite Radio, and eachaudio event signal may define information, such as a play-by-playcommentary pertaining to the event occurring at the stadium from whichthe audio event signal is generated or from another stadium.

Each of the audio and/or video event signals and each of the non-eventremote signals may be received, monitored and then selected forbroadcast by the broadcast system 32 at an event based on the relevanceof the content, or by the particular desires and preferences of theevent spectators that will be using portable receiving devices. Forexample, a determination may be made that spectators at a particularstadium are likely to be interested in particular ones of the audioevent signals. In an exemplary embodiment, such audio event signals arethen transmitted to the broadcast system 32 servicing the particularstadium. The broadcast system 32 then may broadcast the audio eventsignal to the spectators being serviced by the broadcast system 32. Forexample, a determination may be made that spectators at a first stadiumfor viewing a Southeastern Conference (SEC) football game are interestedin other SEC football games occurring at other stadiums. In such a case,audio event signals defining the play-by-play commentary of the otherSEC football games may be transmitted to the broadcast system 32servicing the first stadium. The broadcast system 32 may then broadcastthese audio event signals to the spectators at the first stadium.

For other stadiums, different sets of audio event signals may bereceived, monitored and selected for broadcast at the event. Forexample, for a stadium where a BIG 10 football game is occurring, aSatellite Radio system could be monitored for audio event signalspertaining to other BIG 10 football games. These audio event signals maythen be selected for broadcast to the spectators of the stadium via thebroadcast system 32. Further, and as another example, for a stadiumwhere a Major League Baseball (MLB) game is occurring, audio and/orvideo event signals pertaining to other MLB baseball games beingprovided by a Cable TV system may be monitored and selected forbroadcast by the broadcast system 32 servicing the stadium. Variouscombinations of audio and/or video event signals thereby may be providedto spectators at various stadiums and are not limited to thecombinations described herein.

In addition to providing a user with live, non-event audio and/or videocontent from another sporting or entertainment event, other non-eventrelated content can be monitored via a plurality of broadcast sourcesthat are connected to the broadcast system 32 at the event. These otherbroadcast sources (e.g. Cable TV, Satellite TV, Satellite or DigitalRadio, Local Broadcast TV or Radio) can be monitored for relevantnon-event related content (e.g. news, weather, sports tickers andscores, movies, cartoons, advertisements, statistics and data) that canthen be selected for broadcast at a specific event by the broadcastsystem 32 located at, for example, a stadium.

In an exemplary embodiment, when the broadcast system 32 receives audioand/or video event signals from various input sources, the broadcastsystem 32 may communicate such signals to spectators at the stadiumserviced by the broadcast system. The communication of such signals maybe wireless and/or non-wireless. For example, the broadcast system 32may modulate each of the audio and/or video event signals on a carriersignal of a different frequency and wirelessly transmit the modulatedsignals to the stadium spectators. The stadium spectators may beprovided with portable receiver units that demodulate and filter theaudio and/or video event signals transmitted by the broadcast system 32.Specifically, using a receiver unit, a spectator may select one or moreof the audio and/or video event signals received by the receiver unit,and the receiver unit may filter out all of the other audio and/or videoevent signals, thereby recovering the selected audio and/or video eventsignal or signals. The recovered audio and/or video event signal orsignals may then be converted into sound via one or more speakers of thereceiver unit or images via a display of the receiver unit.

It should be noted that a broadcast system 32 and, in particular, anantenna of the broadcast system may be located at or close to thestadium serviced by it. In such an embodiment, the audio and/or videoevent signals transmitted by the broadcast system 32 can be transmittedover a short distance (e.g., less than approximately one-half of amile), thereby limiting various restrictions imposed by regulationagencies, such as the Federal Communication Commission (FCC). Variousfrequency ranges may be employed, for example, each broadcast system 32in an exemplary embodiment may transmit audio and/or video event signalswithin the ultra-high frequency (UHF) range, microwave range (e.g., twoto ten gigahertz range), etc.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment showing the various inputsources for both event and non-event audio and/or video signals that aremonitored and selected for broadcast by the broadcast system located atthe event, also referred to herein as a local broadcast system. Forillustrative purposes, the broadcast system will be described asenabling spectators attending NCAA football games at stadiums to selectand hear a play-by-play commentary and/or see video images of variousfootball games, as well as access other non-event content. However, itshould be noted that, in other embodiments, the broadcast system mayenable spectators to listen to and view other types of informationpertaining to other types of events (e.g., football, auto racing, golf,horse racing, etc.) located at different venues (e.g., race track, openroad race course, golf course, etc.) or other types of information(e.g., news or stock quotes).

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a local broadcast system 32 of an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. The broadcast system 32 generallyincludes means for receiving audio and/or video signals (e.g., audioand/or video feeds and audio and/or video event signals, non-eventcontent, recorded or archived content) from a plurality of sources 152(e.g., local event and remote sources). The broadcast system 32 then maycombine various audio and/or video signals as described herein forbroadcast of a plurality of audio and/or video signals to receiver units180 or receiver units 65 (shown in FIG. 3), which allow users attendingevents, for example, at various stadiums to select audio and or videosignals from one or more sources. The audio and video signals definecontent for audio output or display with the receiver units. The sourcesmay be located at the event at which the spectator is attending andproviding audio and video signals pertaining to that event, or may belocated remote from the event attended by the spectator, and provideaudio and video signals pertaining to the remote event. Further, thesources may provide audio and video signals pertaining to other content,such as, for example, non-event content such as television programming.

In one exemplary embodiment, one or more spectators, for example, at thestadium, is provided with the receiver unit 180 capable of receiving anddemodulating the signals transmitted by the broadcast system 32. Theselected audio and/or video signals, such as play-by-play feeds,advertising, television programming, etc. are then output by thereceiver unit 180 (e.g., output as audio from a speaker or video from adisplay), thereby reproducing, for example, the play-by-play commentaryor video images defined by the selected feed(s). For example, assumethat a spectator at Neyland Stadium, while watching a Tennessee gameoccurring at Neyland Stadium, is interested in the football gameoccurring at Griffin Stadium. In such an example, the spectator may tunehis receiver unit 180 (e.g., select a channel) such that the receiverunit filters out all play-by-play feeds except the feed originallygenerated at Griffin stadium. As a result, the receiver unit outputs theplay-by-play commentary of the football game occurring at GriffinStadium. Moreover, the spectator may listen to this commentary whilewatching the Tennessee football game or another game on the receiverunit 180. As another example, the spectator may tune the receiver unit180 to receive a television feed or to access Internet content.

It also should be noted that it is not necessary for the system used totransmit signals, for example, to spectators at a particular stadium, tobe located at or close to the particular stadium. However, locating thebroadcast system at or close to the stadium may be desired or needed(e.g., results in less strenuous FCC restrictions). Further, it shouldbe noted that any type of video and/or audio event and/or non-eventsignals may be processed by the broadcast system 32. For example, inaddition to or instead of generating and providing a play-by-play audiosignal of an event, a camera may generate a play-by-play video signal ofthe event or a satellite system may generate satellite televisionprogramming. This video content then may be routed to the broadcastsystem 32 at the event, which mixes the video signal with, for example,other audio and/or video signals from other events or non-event contentor signal.

Specifically, the broadcast system 32 receives content in the form ofaudio and video signals from a plurality of sources 152. In oneexemplary embodiment, the system may be a mobile broadcast system (e.g.,within a broadcast van) that includes an interface 154, shown as anaudio/video patch panel for receiving signals from each of the varioussources. It should be noted that broadcast system 32 may be a fixedsystem or partially fixed (e.g., some of the components fixed at astadium and other components within a mobile unit). A plurality ofmultiplexers 156 receive the signals from the interface 154. Themultiplexers 156 combine the signals as described in more detail herein.Each of the multiplexers 156 outputs the combined signals to amonitoring system 158 and a quality control system 160. The monitoringsystem 158 may include a plurality of displays 162 (e.g., monitors witha broadcast van) for viewing, for example, by a program controlleroperating the broadcast system 32 for monitoring the content. Thequality control system 160 may include a plurality of signal analyzers164 or other components for measuring signal quality and maintaining alevel of quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC). For example, one ormore oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers and/or video monitors may beprovided for use onsite to ensure that the quality and strength of eachmultiplexed signal is within or satisfies a predetermined or predefinedspecification or level prior to be being combined and transmitted.

The outputs of the multiplexers 156, and in particular the multiplexedsignals are provided to a plurality of frequency modulators 166 formodulating the plurality of multiplexed signals on differentfrequencies. The modulated signals are then provided to a combiner 168for combining the signals and transmission via a transmitter 170 using,for example, an antenna 172. In various embodiments, the multiplexers156, frequency modulators 166 and combiner 168 together may define, orbe embodied in, one or more processors.

Thus, the broadcast system 32, after receiving a plurality of signalsfrom a plurality of sources, modulates and transmits selected signalsto, for example, spectators at the stadium having receiver units 180.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart 200 illustrating exemplary processes utilized bythe broadcast system 32. A plurality of audio and video signals arereceived from a plurality of sources at 202. This includes receivingaudio and video signals defining content from, for example, both localand remote sources, such as Cable TV, Satellite TV, Satellite or DigitalRadio, Over the Air TV or Radio, VCR or DVD Players, and generallydefining event content and non-event content. A determination is thenmade at 204 as to which audio and video signals to use (i.e., eventrelated content). This may include using signal selection criteria foran event at 206 to make a determination of which signals to use. Thiscriteria may include, for example, spectator or regional preferences,information relating to the geographic location of the source of thesignals (e.g., signals from stadiums within a particular geographicregion or relating to teams in that region) and/or other predeterminedcriteria (e.g., type of game being played). It should be noted that theaudio and video signals may be selected based upon other criteria,determinations or factors, such as, for example, time of day (e.g.,events occurring at the same time), the type of event (e.g., all sportsevents, all football games, all baseball games, etc.) and/or variety(e.g., select signals to provide diverse programming). At 208 additionalcontent (i.e., non-event related content) available for use isidentified and at 210 selection criteria for determining whichadditional content to include is used to determine additional content tobe included as part of the signals to be broadcast (e.g., news from anover the air source) at 212.

At 214 a transmission frequency is assigned to each of the signals andat 216 the signals are multiplexed. The multiplexed signals are combinedat 218 and the combined signals are broadcast at the event at 220. Thecombined signals are received at 222 by portable devices at the eventand at 224 a user may select particular content to be displayed and/oroutput as sound by the portable device.

Additionally, the various embodiments described herein are not limitedfor use in connection with particular systems or for receiving signalsfrom specific sources, but may receive signals from other sources, suchas, for example, the system for distributing audio and/or video signalsdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,578,203, the entire disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a video/audio receivingsystem 712 constructed according to the principles of the presentinvention. At least one video signal 714 and at least one audio signal715 are received by a receiver 716 via a signal interface 718. Each ofthe video signals 714 defines, for example, a view of an event, such asfrom different perspectives. For example, the video signals 714 may begenerated by different video cameras located at different locations atan event (e.g., positioned at different locations around a stadium orracetrack, at various holes at a golf tournament, close-up to or on thestage at a concert). Furthermore, each of the audio signals 715 definesdifferent sounds associated with an event. For example, at least one ofthe audio signals 715 may be generated from a microphone located closeto the sideline of a game or in one of the helmets of one of the playersof the game (e.g., the helmet of a football player) such that the audiosignal defines sounds from the participants in the game, or may begenerated from a microphone in a pit area of a racetrack with the audiosignal defining sounds from the pit crew. Alternatively, at least one ofthe audio signals 715 may define the comments of televisioncommentators, and at least one of the audio signals may define thecomments of radio commentators. Further, and for example, the videosignals 714 may define live television broadcasts of the event.

It should be noted that the video and audio signals 714 and 715 may bereceived from a plurality of different sources (e.g., local broadcast,closed circuit broadcast at the event, cable television, satellitebroadcast and the Internet) and define content related to the eventbeing attended or another event. It should also be noted that the videoand audio signals 714 and 715 are not limited to providing images andsounds of one event or the event being attended. Event content definedby the video and audio signals 714 and 715 and/or other signals (e.g.,data signals) may include, but is not limited to, audio/video from otherevents, public television broadcasts, cable television broadcasts,satellite broadcasts, Internet data, such as, for example, emails ornews, and interactive media or data, such as, for example, triviacontests or other games.

In particular, at least one of the audio and one of the video signalsmay be transmitted as a single combined signal from an audio/videosystem such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,578,203 entitled“Audio/Video Signal Distribution System for Head Mounted Displays,” theentire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.Additionally, one or more of the video and/or audio signals may bewireless, in which case, the signal interface 718 may include one ormore antennas for receiving the wireless signals. However, various othertypes of signal interfaces 718 are contemplated. For example, the signalinterface 718 may be a cable or other type of wired or signaltransmission apparatus. Any type of wireless and/or non-wirelesstechnique may be used to transmit signals to receiver 716 via the signalinterface 718.

Some of the video and audio signals 714 and 715 may be unmodulated whentransmitted to the receiver 716 through the signal interface 718 and,therefore, do not need to be demodulated by the system. However, some ofthe video signals 714 and/or audio signals 715 may be modulated whenreceived by the receiver 716, and, therefore, may need to be demodulatedby the system 712. For example, at least one of the audio signals 715defining the comments of radio commentators may be modulated as a radiosignal for transmission to radios located at or away from the event, andat least one of the video signals 714 may be modulated as a televisionsignal for transmission to televisions located at or away from theevent. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the a video/audio receiving system712 preferably includes a demodulator 720 configured to demodulatemodulated video signals 714 and/or audio signals 715 received by thereceiver 716 through the signal interface 718.

Once demodulated, if necessary, the video and audio signals 714 and 715are processed by signal processing logic 722, which selects andconditions the signals 714 and 715. Specifically, the signal processinglogic 722 selects, based on inputs from the user as described herein,one or more of the video signals 714 and one or more of the audiosignals 715. It should be noted that the signal processing logic 722 maybe implemented via hardware, software, or a combination thereof.Further, the signal processing logic 722 may include one or more filtersfor filtering out unselected signals 714 and 715. After selecting one ofthe video and audio signals 714 and 7107, the signal processing logic722 conditions the selected video signals 714 such that they arecompatible with an image display system 730, and the signal processinglogic 722 conditions the selected audio signals 715 such that they arecompatible with speakers 734. The signal processing logic 722 thentransmits the conditioned audio signals 715 to the speakers 734, whichconverts the conditioned audio signals 715 into sound. The signalprocessing logic 722 also transmits the conditioned video signals 714 tothe image display system 730, which displays the image defined by theconditioned video signals 714 according to techniques known in the art.It should be noted that the processing performed by the signalprocessing logic 722 may be provided as described in U.S. Pat. No.6,578,203.

Further, an input device 724, which may include, for example, one ormore buttons, knobs, dials, or other types of switches, may be used toprovide the inputs for the processing performed by the signal processinglogic 722. It should be noted that these exemplary input devices 724 maybe interchanged, modified or replaced with other input devices asdesired or needed. By controlling the components of the input device724, the user may control various aspects of the processing performed bythe signal processing logic 722, including which video signals 714 areselected for viewing, as well as which audio signals 715 are heard andthe volume of the audio signals 715.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an image display system730 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.Specifically, a processed video signal 714 is displayed onto a LiquidCrystal Display (LCD) 734. The LCD 734 may be lit from the back via abacklight 736, with the light shining through the LCD 734, creating animage on the other side of the LCD 734. On the opposite side of the LCD734 from the backlight 736, a distance from the LCD 734, is ahalf-silvered mirror 738. The half-silvered mirror 738 is set at anapproximately forty-five degree angle from the LCD 734. The imagereflects off the half-silvered mirror 738 onto a separate curved mirror740 set a distance away from the half-silvered mirror 738. The curvedmirror 740 magnifies the image. The magnified image reflects off of thecurved mirror 740, back to the half-silvered mirror 738. The magnifiedimage passes through the half-silvered mirror 738 to a lens 742 locatedon the opposite side of the half-silvered mirror 738 from the curvedmirror 740. The magnified image passes through the lens 7133, whichfocuses the magnified image.

Other embodiments of a video/audio receiving system having additional ordifferent components and performing additional or different functionsare contemplated (e.g., enhanced viewing capabilities using binocularfunctions or video/audio storage capabilities). Specifically, in anotherexemplary embodiment, a video/audio receiving system 712′ as shown inFIG. 9 includes a front end tuner/receiver 760 provided for receiving asignal (e.g., modulated RF signal from an antenna within a receivingdevice) containing video signals 714 and/or audio signals 7107, or acombination thereof. A processor, such as, for example, a digitalprocessor 762 processes the received signal to provide video signals 714defining images for display via a viewing system 764. The digitalprocessor 762 may process the received signals to provide audio signals715 defining audio for output by the handheld device via an audio system763 (e.g., output using speakers or to headphone connected to an audiojack). In one embodiment, the video/audio receiving system 712′ includesa memory 766 for storing video or audio content as described herein. Apower supply 768 is also provided for powering the video/audio receivingsystem 712′, and specifically the digital processor 762 and memory 766.The video/audio receiving system 712′ also includes an optics system 770for capturing images of an event, which are then processed by thedigital processor 762 for display on the viewing system 764 or storagewithin the memory 766.

In particular, in one embodiment, the front end tuner/receiver 760includes a digital video receiver/demodulator (i.e. tuner) that enablesthe video/audio receiving system 712′ to receive both digital video andaudio signals transmitted, for example, over standardized television,Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), or other RF frequency bands. It should benoted that the received broadcast signal provides live and recordedvideo and audio content, and may include processor serial numberspecific enabling codes to indicate whether a particular video/audioreceiving system 712′ is permitted to receive and display the broadcastsignal (i.e. conditional access). Thus, conditional access allowing forboth rental of devices containing the video/audio receiving system 712′and/or pay per view functionality when devices are owned by a user 44may be provided.

The digital video/audio output of the front end tuner/receiver 760 isprovided to the digital processor 762, wherein the received signals areprocessed (e.g., conditioned) for display on the viewing system 764 orfor storing in the memory 766 for later access and display. The frontend tuner/receiver 760 is configured to receive transmissions havingdifferent transmission requirements, such as, for example, from 8Virtual Side Band (8VSB) commercial television broadcasts, CodedOrthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex (COFDM) commercial televisionbroadcasts and/or locally transmitted event content, such as providedusing the system described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,578,203. Further, thefront end tuner/receiver 760 also provides received audio signals to thedigital processor for processing and outputting processed digital audiooutputs for listening by a user or for storage.

The digital processor 762 is configured for processing video and audiosignals 714 and 715 from the front end tuner/receiver 760. Further, thememory 766 and the optics system 770 are configured such that processedvideo and audio signals 714 and 7107, which may include, for example,live view, real and recorded video and stored video and digital images,may be viewed using the viewing system 764 (e.g., via an LCD). Thedigital processor 762 interfaces directly with both the front endtuner/receiver 760 and the optics system 770 such that a user, viahardware and/or software controlled using a user input 767, can selectthe desired viewing or audio input. The user input 767, may include, forexample, one or more buttons, knobs, dials, or other types of switches.It should be noted that these exemplary user inputs 767 may beinterchanged, modified or replaced with other user inputs as desired orneeded.

Additionally, the output of the digital processor 762, for example inthe form of still images or continuous video, may be stored in thememory 766. The stored images/video may then be available, for example,for future viewing using the viewing system 764, or downloading to aprinter or computer for further processing.

User control of the video/audio receiving system 712′ to control theoperation of the digital processor 762 may be provided by a user input767 (e.g., a standard NSEW four position button) provided as part of ahandheld device. The user input 767, such as, for example, amulti-function button select system allows the user to select the modeof operation (e.g., broadcast video, binocular, digital camera withvarious telephoto settings, record and playback), as well as otherfeatures specific to a particular mode. For example, this may includetelephoto options, video record time, start, stop, and rewind; imagestore (e.g., take a picture); store a continuous view (e.g., camcorderrecording), etc. Additionally, the user input buttons may be used tocontrol other functions, such as, for example, volume and video channelselection.

In one exemplary embodiment, the optics system 770 includes two fixedfocus lenses each providing a signal to a charge coupled device (CCD).The CCD converts the focused optical signal into a digital signal thatis processed by the digital processor 762 for display using the viewingsystem 764. In operation, the two fixed focus lenses enable, forexample, a wide field view and a telephoto view, depending on theselection made by a user via the user input 767. For example, theoptical zoom allows for a higher resolution zoom capability than anelectronic zoom, in which a portion of the signal received by the CCD isexpanded or “blown-up” to provide zoom capability. Thus, by includingtwo lens/CCD subsystems, both optical and electronic zoom capabilitiesmay be provided that allows for different settings (e.g., wide field(optical), telephoto 1 (digital from the wide field lens), telephoto 2(optical telephoto), and telephoto 3 (digital from the optical telephotolens)).

Viewing system 764 receives processed signals from the digital processor762 or processed signals stored in the memory 766, and using“near-to-the-eye” optics, provides a user with an image (e.g., videoimage) of the processed signals. Using known displays and associatedoptics, a video image is provided such that a user appears to be viewingan image that is much larger than actually displayed. It should be notedthat the viewing system 764 displays the output of the digital processor762 based upon any of the video/audio/optical input sources.

The memory 766 may be provided using permanent memory, removable memory(e.g., DRAM), or a combination of both, such that a user may storesingle images and/or continuous video. The stored images and/orcontinuous video may be, for example, reviewed or replayed at the eventto ensure that the contents stored is what is desired or needed by theuser or to allow a user to view part of the event again (e.g., view aclose call in a football game). In one embodiment, removable memory maybe provided, such as, for example, a memory stick/cartridge that may beremoved by a user after use at the event. Other interfaces may also beprovided to access the images and/or continuous videos stored in thememory 766, such as a USB connector allowing for the downloading of thestored memory (e.g., captured video) to a computer.

In one exemplary embodiment, the power supply 768 includes arechargeable battery, such as a rechargeable Li Ion or Li Polymerbattery that may be permanent or removable from a device for recharging.The power supply 768 may also include a recharge outlet for recharging abattery while still in the device using a standard AC/DC powerconverter. The power supply 768 may also include a smaller replaceablebattery (e.g. NiCad battery), that provides constant power to the memory766 to ensure that a user's settings are not lost when main batterypower falls below a predetermined operating level.

In the various embodiments of the present invention, the video/audioreceiving systems 712 and 712′ are embodied within portable devices.Using handheld devices for viewing video signals 714, a user's viewingexperience may be enhanced. For example, when using the handhelddevices, a field view of the game from a camera located on another sideof the stadium may be selected by a user, thereby allowing the user 44to see a similar view as spectators located in that portion of thestadium. Further, in some embodiments, because the handheld devices maylimit the user's peripheral view of the environment around him or her,the user 44 focuses on the view provided by the handheld devices. Inthese embodiments, when the user 44 desires to view the event (e.g.,game) directly, the user may quickly lower the handheld device so thatthe user's view of the game is not obstructed. It should be noted thatthe handheld devices may enhance a user's experience at any event, suchas, for example, any sporting event or other event where a user 44 isunable to view the entire event (e.g., unable to see the entireracetrack).

Furthermore, because the handheld devices are handheld, they are easilyportable, and the user 44 may carry the handheld devices with him orher, and choose where he or she would like to view the images producedby the handheld devices. For example, the user 44 may walk throughout astadium with the handheld device in hand while intermittently viewingthe images and hearing the sounds produced by the video/audio receivingsystem 712 or 712′. Further, by manipulating user input 767, the user 44may control which video signals 714 are displayed and which audiosignals 715 are produced by the video/audio receiving systems 712 or712′. Accordingly, the handheld devices provide the user 44 moreflexibility to observe and listen to an event, such as a sporting event,and results in a more enjoyable experience.

Different types of materials (e.g., part molded and part flexiblematerial), casings or housings for the handheld devices may be employedto implement the various embodiments of the present invention.

Thus, a user 44 may be provided with different video and audio contentassociated with an event at which the user is attending, another eventof interest, or content of interest to the viewer (e.g., business news,cartoons, etc.). Further, a user 44 may select different options forviewing the event (e.g., binocular viewing) or store some or all of theevent content (e.g., store still images of the event).

It is not necessary for the user 44 to keep the handheld device withinthe confines of the event (e.g., within the stadium). For example, thevideo and audio signals 714 and 715 may be transmitted via satellitesand/or communication networks to various locations around the world, andthe user 44 may select the view he or she prefers the most from a remotelocation capable of receiving a video signal 714 and/or audio signal715.

The handheld device also may be retrieved from the user 44 after theuser 44 is finished viewing the event so that the handheld device can beprovided to another spectator for another event, for example, at anotherstadium. Each user 44 may be charged a usage fee for use of the handhelddevice, or alternatively, a user may purchase the handheld device andpay a monthly subscription fee for use of the device. In some of thevarious embodiments, payment of the fee may be required before the user44 is provided with the handheld device. In other embodiments, thehandheld device may receive information, via video and audio signals 714and 7107, or otherwise, indicating whether the handheld device isauthorized to produce sounds and images defined by the signals (e.g.,authorized serial number transmitted to the video/audio system 712 or712′). In this embodiment, the handheld device is configured to produceimages and sound only when authorized, with authorization information(e.g., authorization code unique to a handheld device) transmitted froman audio/video transmitter using an audio/video system such as describedin U.S. Pat. No. 6,578,203, to the handheld device, only when the user44 of the handheld device has provided proper payment.

It should also be noted that various modifications and changes may bemade to the various embodiments of the present invention. For example,the signal interface 718 and front end tuner/receiver 760 may beconstructed using wireless fidelity WiFi hardware and software forreceiving transmission of content provided on different bands (e.g., 2.4GHz, 5.8 GHz, or 10 GHz), instead of or in addition to a UHF TVfrequency band (e.g., 400 MHz-800 MHz). Thus, the handheld device mayoperate and receive content via lower UHF frequency bands or higher WiFibands as desired or needed.

Further, use of WiFi also allows for passive and active two-waycommunication. For example, in operation using passive communication,automatic “device to device” communication is transparent to a user 44.This communication may include, for example, communication ofconditional access codes, collection of statistical data regardingviewing habits, etc. With respect to using active communication,interactive communication may be provided in which the user 44 activelymakes requests for information, purchases, etc., which requests areconveyed to the system for further action. This also may include, forexample, accessing the Internet or email. Thus, different types of dataembodied in different signals, instead of or in addition to the videoand audio signals 714 and 7107, may be implemented within the variousembodiments of the present invention (e.g., transmitted and received bythe handheld device).

Further, it should be noted that using the video/audio system 712 or712′ in connection with the handheld devices allows for operation of avenue based transmission system in which signals from a productionfacility not located at the event may be provided. For example, thesignals, such as the video and audio signals 714 and 7107, may beavailable via the Internet or satellite with a transmission systemoperated and monitored remotely from the production facility. Further,and for example, at least one of the video signals 714 and one of theaudio signals 715 may be transmitted as a single combined signal from anaudio/video system such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,578,203 and thatis provided at a production facility not located at the event.Thereafter, transmission is provided via multiple WiFi nodes at theevent. The production facility may receive its content via satellitedownload.

Further, the portable device, including the portable receiver unit 65 or180, may be any device having a receiver configured to receive signalsfrom the various embodiments of the present invention described herein.For example, the wireless portable device may be any suitable devicecapable of displaying images or outputting sounds based on signalstransmitted from the system 50. These devices include, but are notlimited to, laptop computers, electronic tablet devices, cellulartelephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and/or other handheldportable devices having wireless capabilities. Further examples of thesedevices, include, but are not limited to, the device described inco-pending U.S. application entitled “Electronic Handheld Audio/VideoReceiver and Listening/Viewing Device” filed on Apr. 18, 2001 and havingSer. No. 09/837,128, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein; the device described in co-pendingU.S. application “Audio/Video System and Method Utilizing a Head MountedApparatus with Noise Attenuation” filed on Aug. 31, 1999 and having Ser.No. 09/386,613, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference herein; and the device described in co-pending U.S.application entitled “Electronic Handheld Audio/Video Receiver andListening/Viewing Device” filed on Jul. 30, 2003 and having Ser. No.10/630,069, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference herein.

Thus, in operation, various embodiments of the present invention allow auser at an event to select and view and/or listen to event content ornon-event content from a plurality of sources. The plurality of sourcesmay be located locally at the event or remote from the event.

It should be noted that the component parts of the various embodimentsmay be modified as desired or needed. For example, the interface may bemodified to accommodate signals from additional or different sources.

While the invention has been described in terms of various specificembodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the inventioncan be practiced with modification.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for providing entertainment eventcontent to a portable device, the system configured to communicate withat least one facility that receives video signals defining event contentassociated with multiple entertainment events of a similar type, thesystem comprising: multiple antenna located to service differentcoverage areas that are located remotely from one another; a controlunit configured to receive an input indicative of a viewing preferenceof a first user, the first user located in a first coverage area of afirst antenna from the multiple antenna, the viewing preferenceindicating that the user desires to access a remote entertainment event,the remote entertainment event being remote from the first user and thefirst coverage area; the control unit configured to designate the firstantenna to receive the video signal associated with the remoteentertainment event indicated by the viewing preference; and a routercapable of routing a first video signal, associated with the remoteentertainment event, to the first antenna; the first antenna configuredto wirelessly transmit first video signal to at least a first portabledevice within a corresponding first coverage area, the first videosignal configured to allow the user to view the event content on thefirst portable device; and an access control unit configured to provideconditional access to the video signals such that only authorizedportable devices are permitted to display the video event content. 2.The system of claim 1, wherein the router routes first video eventcontent to at least a first antenna and second video event content to atleast a second antenna, the first and second antenna defining WiFi nodesat a first entertainment event.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein one ofthe corresponding coverage areas include a stadium where a firstentertainment event occurs.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the firstantenna is located proximate to a stadium where a local entertainmentevent is occurring and a second antenna is located remote from the localentertainment event, the first and second antenna transmitting localevent content.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein sources comprise atleast one of over air television, event cameras, AM/FM radio, satellite,VCR/DVD, cable television, satellite television, and Internet.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to designateantenna of a cellular network to receive the video signal.
 7. The systemof claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to designate aplurality of the antenna to receive the video signal.
 8. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising a modulator configured to modulate multiplevideo signals on different channels.
 9. The system of claim 1, whereinthe first portable device represents a cellular phone and the firstantenna communicates with the cellular phone.
 10. The system of claim 1,wherein the control unit designates that each of multiple antenna are toreceive the video signal.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the controlunit determines a type of communication link to be used to transmit thevideo signal.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein a first antenna islocated proximate to a stadium where a local entertainment event isoccurring and a second antenna is located remote from the localentertainment event, the first and second antenna transmitting localevent content.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the control unitreceives a request from the first portable device regarding which eventcontent the user desires to watch.
 14. The system of claim 1, whereinthe control unit determines a type of communication link to be used totransmit the video signal.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein at least aportion of the antenna are configured to service coverage areas remotefrom the entertainment event and are configured to wirelessly transmitthe video signal to cellular telephones while at locations other than atthe entertainment event.
 16. The system of claim 1, wherein the at leastone antenna is configured to service a coverage area at a firstentertainment event and the at least one antenna is configured tosupport active two-way communication with the first portable devicethrough which the user actively makes a request for the video signalfrom the system.
 17. The system of claim 1, wherein the video signalincludes real-time video event content from a live entertainment eventand recorded video event content from a prior entertainment event, wherethe live and prior entertainment events are a same type of event. 18.The system of claim 1, wherein the antenna and first portable devicecommunicate through WiFi communications.
 19. The system of claim 1,where the first antenna defines a WiFi node with the correspondingcoverage area at a first entertainment event, the video signal includingthe event content associated with the first entertainment event.
 20. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to receive auser request for user specified event content, the router routing thevideo signal to the user in response to the user specified eventcontent.
 21. A method for routing entertainment event content to aportable device from a system that receives video signals defining eventcontent associated with multiple entertainment events of a similar type,the method comprising: connecting to multiple antenna located to servicedifferent coverage areas that are located remotely from one another;receiving an input indicative of a viewing preference of a first userlocated in a first coverage area of a first antenna from the multipleantenna, the viewing preference indicating that the user desires toaccess a remote entertainment event, the remote entertainment eventoccurring at a location that is remote from the first user and the firstcoverage area; designating the first antenna to receive the video signalassociated with the remote entertainment event indicated by the viewingpreference; and routing a first video signal, associated with the remoteentertainment event, to the first antenna; providing conditional accessto the video signal such that only authorized portable devices arepermitted to display the event content; wirelessly transmitting, fromthe first antenna, the video signal to at least a first portable devicewithin the coverage area of the first antenna; and configuring the videosignal to allow a user of the first portable device to view the eventcontent on the first portable device.
 22. The method of claim 21,wherein the routing includes routing first video event content to atleast the first antenna and routing second video event content to atleast a second antenna.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the antennaare located to service corresponding coverage areas within a stadiumwhere a first entertainment event occurs.
 24. The method of claim 21,further comprising wirelessly transmitting a first video signal to afirst portable device in response to a user request.
 25. The method ofclaim 21, wherein at least a portion of the antenna are configured toservice coverage areas remote from the entertainment event and areconfigured to wirelessly transmit the video signal to cellulartelephones while at locations other than at the entertainment event. 26.The method of claim 21, wherein at least one antenna is configured toservice a coverage area at a first entertainment event and the at leastone antenna is configured to support active two-way communication withthe first portable device through which the user actively makes arequest for the video signal from the system.
 27. The method of claim21, wherein the video signal includes video event content from a firstvideo source at a live entertainment event and audio event content froma first audio source at the live entertainment event.
 28. The method ofclaim 21, wherein the antenna and first portable device communicatethrough WiFi communications.
 29. The method of claim 21, wherein thefirst antenna defines a WiFi node with the corresponding coverage areaat a first entertainment event, the video signal including the eventcontent associated with the first entertainment event.
 30. The method ofclaim 21, further comprising receiving a user request for user specifiedevent content and routing the video signal to the user in responses tothe user specified event content.
 31. A system for providingentertainment event content to a portable device, the system comprising:inputs configured to receive video signals defining event contentassociated with multiple entertainment events of a similar type; aprocessor configured to receive inputs indicative of viewing preferencesof users indicating which of the remote entertainments the users desireto view; multiple antenna located to service different coverage areasthat are located remotely from one another, the multiple antennaincluding at least a first antenna configured to wirelessly transmit afirst video signal to at least a first portable device within acorresponding coverage area for a first user to view the correspondingevent content on the first portable device; an access control unitconfigured to provide conditional access to the video signal such thatonly authorized portable devices are permitted to display the videoevent content; a control unit configured to designate which of themultiple antenna represents the first antenna to receive the first videosignal; and a router capable of routing the first video signal to thefirst antenna that was designated to receive the first video signal. 32.The system of claim 31, wherein the antenna are configured to wirelesslytransmit the video signal to cellular telephones while at locationsother than at an entertainment event.
 33. The system of claim 31,wherein the antenna are configured to wirelessly transmit the videosignal to portable devices while at home.
 34. The system of claim 31,wherein the antenna wirelessly transmit real-time video event contentfrom a live entertainment event and recorded event content from aprerecorded prior entertainment event.
 35. The system of claim 31,wherein the control unit receives a request from the first portabledevice regarding which event content the user desires to watch.
 36. Thesystem of claim 31, wherein the inputs receive the event contentassociated with a plurality of entertainment events.
 37. The system ofclaim 31, further comprising logic configured to generate first andsecond video signals, the first video signal including video eventcontent from a live entertainment event, the second channel and secondvideo signal including stored video event content from at least oneprerecorded entertainment event.
 38. The system of claim 31, wherein thefirst antenna is located proximate to a stadium where a localentertainment event is occurring and a second antenna is located remotefrom the local entertainment event, the first and second antennatransmitting local event content.
 39. The system of claim 31, whereinthe video event content is from at least one of over air television,event cameras, AM/FM radio, satellite, VCR/DVD, cable television,satellite television, and Internet.
 40. The system of claim 31, furthercomprising a mixer configured to select signals to combine based onsignal selection criteria, the signal selection criteria based on atleast one of (i) spectator or regional preferences, (ii) a geographiclocation of a source of the signals, (iii) predetermined criteria, (iv)time of day, (v) type of event and (vi) content variety.
 41. The systemof claim 31, further comprising content insertion control logicconfigured to insert, into the video signal, non-event content includingat least one of advertisements and commercials.
 42. The system of claim31, wherein the first portable device represents a cellular phone andantenna represent a cellular telecommunications network.
 43. The systemof claim 31, wherein the video signal includes scores and statistics.44. The system of claim 31, further comprising logic configured toinclude, in the video signal, video event content from a liveentertainment event and stored video event content from at least oneprerecorded entertainment event.
 45. The system of claim 31, wherein themixer is configured to include, in the video signal, video event contentfrom a live entertainment event and stored video event content from atleast one prerecorded entertainment event.
 46. A method for providingentertainment event content to a portable device, the method comprising:receiving video signals defining video event content associated withmultiple entertainment events of a similar type; receiving inputsindicative of viewing preferences of users indicating which of theremote entertainments the users desire to view; connecting to a systemhaving multiple antenna located to service different coverage areas thatare located remotely from one another; providing conditional access tothe video signal such that only authorized portable devices arepermitted to display the video event content; designating which of theantenna are to receive the video signals based on the viewingpreferences; routing the video signals to one or more of thecorresponding antenna that are designated to receive the video signals;and wirelessly transmitting, from the designated antenna, a first videosignal to at least a first portable device.
 47. The method of claim 46,wherein at least a portion of the antenna are configured to servicecoverage areas remote from the entertainment event and are configured towirelessly transmit the combined signal to cellular telephones while atlocations other than at the entertainment event.
 48. The method of claim46, wherein at least one antenna is configured to service a coveragearea at a first entertainment event and the at least one antenna isconfigured to support active two-way communication with the firstportable device through which the user actively makes a request for thevideo signal from the system.
 49. The method of claim 46, wherein thevideo signal includes real-time video event content from a liveentertainment event and recorded video event content from a priorentertainment event, where the live and prior entertainment events are asame type of event.
 50. The method of claim 46, wherein the antenna andfirst portable device communicate through WIFi communications.
 51. Themethod of claim 46, further comprising categorizing the video eventcontent based upon one of a geographic location of the correspondingentertainment event and a type of the entertainment event.
 52. Themethod of claim 46, wherein one of the coverage areas includes a stadiumwhere a first entertainment event occurs.
 53. The method of claim 46,wherein the processing operation to generate the video signal comprises:generating a first channel, carrying video event content from a liveentertainment event; and generating a second channel, carrying videoevent content from at least one prerecorded entertainment event.
 54. Themethod of claim 46, further comprising receiving the video event contentfrom a plurality of entertainment events.
 55. The method of claim 46,further comprising selecting recorded video event content from aprerecorded prior entertainment event to include in the video signal.56. The method of claim 46, wherein the processing comprises selectingvideo signals based on signal selection criteria including at least oneof (i) spectator or regional preferences, (ii) a geographic location ofa source of the signals, (iii) predetermined criteria, (iv) time of day,(v) type of event and (vi) content variety.
 57. The method of claim 46,wherein the connecting includes utilizing a high speed communicationslink to convey the at least one video signal to the antenna.
 58. Themethod of claim 46, wherein the portable devices represent cellularphones and the antenna represent a cellular or telecommunicationsnetwork.
 59. The method of claim 46, wherein the portable devicesrepresent cellular phones and the antenna communicate with the cellularphones.
 60. The method of claim 46, wherein a control logic designatesthat each of multiple antenna are to receive the video signal.
 61. Themethod of claim 46, further comprising determining a type ofcommunication link to be used to transmit the video signal.
 62. Themethod of claim 46, wherein the video signal includes scores andstatistics.
 63. The method of claim 46, further comprising logicconfigured to include, in the video signal, video event content from alive entertainment event and stored video event content from at leastone prerecorded entertainment event.
 64. The method of claim 46, whereina mixer is configured to include, in the video signal, video eventcontent from a live entertainment event and stored video event contentfrom at least one prerecorded entertainment event.
 65. A system forproviding entertainment event content to a portable device, the systemconfigured to communicate with at least one facility that receives videosignals defining event content associated with multiple entertainmentevents of a similar type, the system comprising: multiple antennalocated to service different coverage areas that are located remotelyfrom one another; a control unit configured to receive an inputindicative of a viewing preference of a first user, the first userlocated in a first coverage area of a first antenna from the multipleantenna, the viewing preference indicating that the user desires toaccess a remote entertainment event, the remote entertainment eventbeing remote from the first user and the first coverage area; thecontrol unit configured to designate the first antenna to receive thevideo signal associated with the remote entertainment event indicated bythe viewing preference; and a router capable of routing a first videosignal, associated with the remote entertainment event, to the firstantenna; and the first antenna configured to wirelessly transmit firstvideo signal to at least a first portable device within a correspondingfirst coverage area, the first video signal configured to allow the userto view the event content on the first portable device; wherein thefirst antenna is configured to service a coverage area at a firstentertainment event and the first antenna is configured to supportactive two-way communication with the first portable device throughwhich the user actively makes a request for the video signal from thesystem.
 66. A method for routing entertainment event content to aportable device from a system that receives video signals defining eventcontent associated with multiple entertainment events of a similar type,the method comprising: connecting to multiple antenna located to servicedifferent coverage areas that are located remotely from one another;receiving an input indicative of a viewing preference of a first userlocated in a first coverage area of a first antenna from the multipleantenna, the viewing preference indicating that the user desires aremote entertainment event, the remote entertainment event occurring ata location that is remote from the user and the first coverage area;designating the first antenna to receive the video signal associatedwith the remote entertainment event indicated by the viewing preference;routing a first video signal, associated with the remote entertainmentevent, to the first antenna; wirelessly transmitting, from the firstantenna, the video signal to at least a first portable device within thecoverage area of the first antenna; and configuring the video signal toallow a user of the first portable device to view the event content onthe first portable device; wherein the first antenna is configured toservice a coverage area at a first entertainment event and the firstantenna is configured to support active two-way communication with thefirst portable device through which the user actively makes a requestfor the video signal from the system.
 67. A system for providingentertainment event content to a portable device, the system comprising:inputs configured to receive video signals defining event contentassociated with multiple entertainment events of a similar type; aprocessor configured to receive inputs indicative of viewing preferencesof users indicating which of the remote entertainments the users desireto view; multiple antenna located to service different coverage areasthat are located remotely from one another, the multiple antennaincluding at least a first antenna configured to wirelessly transmit afirst video signal to at least a first portable device within acorresponding coverage area for a first user to view the correspondingevent content on the first portable device; a control unit configured todesignate which of the multiple antenna represents the first antenna toreceive the first video signal; and a router capable of routing thefirst video signal to the first antenna that was designated to receivethe first video signal, wherein the first antenna is configured toservice a coverage area at a first entertainment event and the firstantenna is configured to support active two-way communication with thefirst portable device through which the user actively makes a requestfor the video signal from the system.
 68. A method for providingentertainment event content to a portable device, the method comprising:receiving video signals defining video event content associated withmultiple entertainment events of a similar type; receiving inputsindicative of viewing preferences of users indicating which of theremote entertainments the users desire to view; connecting to a systemhaving multiple antenna located to service different coverage areas thatare located remotely from one another; designating which of the antennaare to receive the video signals based on the viewing preferences;routing the video signals to one or more of the corresponding antennathat are designated to receive the video signals; and wirelesslytransmitting, from the designated antenna, a first video signal to atleast a first portable device, wherein the designated antenna isconfigured to service a coverage area at a first entertainment event andthe designated antenna is configured to support active two-waycommunication with the first portable device through which the useractively makes a request for the video signal from the system.
 69. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the first video signal represents real-timevideo event content from the remote entertainment event.
 70. The methodof claim 21, wherein the first video signal represents real-time videoevent content from the remote entertainment event.
 71. The system ofclaim 31, wherein the first video signal represents real-time videoevent content from the remote entertainment event.
 72. The method ofclaim 46, wherein the first video signal represents real-time videoevent content from the remote entertainment event.